TIL Talks Guest Highlight Reels

Laurie Adami shares her personal journey from being a successful startup president to facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis. After years of experiencing unexplained symptoms and being dismissed by doctors, she finally finds a diagnostician who takes her concerns seriously. The shocking news of her cancer diagnosis leads her into a whirlwind of emotions, forcing her to confront the realities of her health and the impact on her family. Throughout her journey, Laurie emphasizes the importance of finding support, advocating for oneself in the healthcare system, and understanding the complexities of cancer treatment. In this conversation, Laurie Adami shares her personal journey through the challenges of being diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the complexities of treatment options, and the emotional rollercoaster of remission and relapse. She discusses the importance of patient advocacy, the exploration of clinical trials, and the hope brought by innovative treatments like CAR T-cell therapy. Laurie's story highlights the resilience required in the face of cancer and the significance of support systems throughout the journey. In this conversation, Laurie Adami shares her personal journey through cancer treatment, highlighting the urgency of receiving timely care, the emotional challenges of remission, and the impact of medication on mental health. She discusses the long-term success of CAR T therapy, the financial burden of cancer treatment, and the importance of clinical trials. Laurie emphasizes the need for specialized care and the barriers posed by insurance in accessing treatment. She advocates for patient awareness and the necessity of support systems in navigating the healthcare landscape.

. In this conversation, Chris and Carolyn discuss Carolyn's personal journey with breast cancer, her advocacy work in immunotherapy, and the challenges faced in navigating clinical trials. They delve into the complexities of breast cancer subtypes and the importance of funding for cancer research, particularly in relation to innovative therapies like TIL therapy. Carolyn shares her experiences with North Star Cancer Advocacy and the need for increased awareness and education in the cancer community. In this conversation, Chris and Carolyn discuss the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, particularly focusing on immunotherapy and the importance of patient advocacy. They explore the financial aspects of cancer research, the necessity for patients to be informed advocates for their own health, and the critical role of continuing education for medical professionals. Carolyn shares her personal experiences with cancer treatment and the lessons learned about trusting one's instincts in medical decisions. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches in clinical trials and the future of cancer therapies. In this conversation, Carolyn Leigh discusses her experiences with CAR T therapy, including the challenges of monitoring pseudo progression, the importance of tracking CAR T cell persistence, and the side effects associated with the treatment. She emphasizes the need for effective communication with healthcare providers and the significance of patient advocacy in navigating clinical trials. The discussion also touches on the logistics of treatment, the infusion experience, and the importance of comfort during hospital stays. Carolyn highlights the necessity for patients to conduct their own research and be proactive in seeking clinical trials, as well as the need for breakthroughs in preclinical research to translate into clinical practice more rapidly. In this conversation, Chris and Carolyn discuss the importance of diet and pH levels in cancer treatment, the need for early participation in clinical trials, and the challenges faced by cancer survivors. They emphasize the necessity of advocating for better treatment options and the importance of mental health in survivorship. The discussion also covers innovative approaches to cancer treatment and the need for a more efficient healthcare system that prioritizes patient outcomes. 

 Summary

In this episode of Tilt Talks, Victoria Gray shares her incredible journey living with sickle cell disease and her groundbreaking experience as the first person to undergo CRISPR gene therapy. From her early diagnosis and the challenges of living with a chronic illness to the hope and transformation brought by innovative medical treatments, Victoria's story is one of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of a better life. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of her condition, the stigma faced in healthcare, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek out new treatment options. Through her narrative, listeners gain insight into the complexities of sickle cell disease, the potential of gene therapy, and the importance of compassionate healthcare. In this conversation, Victoria shares her journey through a groundbreaking clinical trial for sickle cell disease, discussing the challenges and triumphs of her recovery. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring and follow-up care, the significance of being a pioneer in clinical trials, and the transformative potential of gene therapy. The discussion also touches on pain management, the emotional aspects of withdrawal from opioids, and the future of sickle cell treatment. Victoria advocates for patient voices to be amplified in the healthcare system, highlighting the need for affordable treatments and the importance of community support.

Summary

In this conversation, Melinda Bachini shares her inspiring journey as a 15-year survivor of stage four cholangiocarcinoma. She discusses her initial diagnosis, the challenges she faced in treatment decisions, and her eventual discovery of TIL therapy. Melinda emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, navigating insurance hurdles, and the support of her family throughout her journey. Her story highlights the significance of clinical trials and the impact of innovative treatments on survival rates for rare cancers. In this conversation, Melinda Bachini and Chris discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by cancer patients and their families, including the emotional and financial burdens of caregiving, the importance of clinical trials, and the role of patient advocacy. They share personal experiences of navigating the healthcare system, the adjustments to life after treatment, and the significance of providing hope and support to others facing similar diagnoses. In this conversation, Chris and Melinda discuss the profound impact of sharing personal stories in the context of cancer survivorship. They emphasize the importance of community, connection, and advocacy in navigating clinical trials and treatment options. Melinda shares her journey with cholangiocarcinoma and the significance of being a voice for patients, while Chris highlights the therapeutic benefits of connecting with others who have faced similar challenges. They also touch on the need for visibility in the cancer community and the potential of writing to share experiences and inspire hope.